Haunted Hills returns to Santa Maria’s Elks Events Center
SANTA MARIA, Calif. - It's scary season in Santa Maria with the Elks Event Center bringing back its drive-thru haunted house.
Whether you’re taking an open hayride or viewing from the car… nobody is safe.
The drive-thru concept allows for social distancing but is not distanced enough to avoid being frightened.
This year gives guests the choice to drive through in their own vehicle or on a hayride.
The hayride adventure is new and gives viewers a more personal experience.
Sandy Lapolla and Joanne Plummer rode the hayride Thursday night. Sandy says Joanne is the "scaredy cat" between the two of them. Joanne agrees.
As fun as it is to ride the scary ride, it's equally enjoyable for the volunteers that get to startle their unsuspecting victims.
“I love scaring people, screaming at them, do my little act,” said Cialey Pita, a volunteer at Haunted Hills.
The roughly two-mile haunted trek includes scary interactions, fear-induced scenes and creepy noises.
“I was expecting to be scared and throughout the whole thing I was scared," said Brandon Beachy. "It did its job.”
Two different options also bring two different experiences: Single Vehicle entry or the Ultimate Fright VIP Experience.
“Adding the VIP experience has been really exciting to plan. Very up close and personal. Not as safe as being in your car,” said Tina Tonascia of Elks Recreation Inc.
This drive thru concept began last year due to the pandemic and it stuck with the community
“The community was so supportive last year, and what was really interesting is when we opened the weekend it sold out,” Tonascia said.
Haunted Hills will be available throughout the spooky month of October from Oct. 1 to 30.
The single-vehicle fee is $55 while the VIP experience is $70.
To purchase tickets, click here.
